Clip on eyeware with spring hinge

ABSTRACT

An eyeglass frame assembly for coupling clip-on auxiliary spectacles to primary spectacles. The primary spectacles having a pair of cavities formed on the inside surface of rear extensions and the clip-on spectacles having a pair of pins mounted to the outside surface of a pair of hinged extensions, wherein the pins are capable of positively engaging the cavities by exerting outward forces. The hinged extensions allow the clip-on spectacles to swing up and to place the auxiliary lenses mounted within the clip-on spectacles to be outside the vision path of th user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/346,595, filed Jan. 17, 2003, which is based upon U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/405,214, filed Aug. 22, 2002, which is based upon PCTApplication Serial No. PCT/US02/16478 filed May 24, 2002, which is basedupon U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/312,124, filed Aug. 14, 2001,the disclosure of all of the above listed documents is herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention disclosed broadly relates to eyeglasses, and moreparticularly relates to an improved arrangement for attachment of anauxiliary or “clip-on” pair of lenses to a primary pair of eyeglasses.

2. Description of the Related Art

To alleviate the need to carry multiple pairs of eyeglasses, varioustypes of “clip-on” auxiliary lenses have been introduced. Primarily,this allows clip-on sunglasses to be attached to a pair of primaryprescription eyeglasses. The market success of the inventions withinthis art is often measured by such factors as security of attachment,aesthetic appearance, and comfort to the user.

One type of invention found in the prior art is shown in FIGS. 1-4B. Theconfiguration consists of a set of primary eyeglasses 100 and a separateset of auxiliary lenses 200 containing a number of claws 210. The claws210 are used to attach or clip the auxiliary lenses 200 to the frame 102of the primary eyeglasses 100. FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement of theprimary 100 and auxiliary lenses 200 in a decoupled state (FIG. 4A) anda coupled state (FIG. 4B). This arrangement has a number ofshortcomings. For one thing, the arrangement is cumbersome andunattractive. Furthermore, the attachment members can often causescratching of the primary lenses 100 as the auxiliary lenses 200 aretaken on and off. This is, especially problematic where the primarylenses 100 and/or the auxiliary lenses 200 are made of plastic which ismore prone to scratching as opposed to harder surfaces such as thosemade from glass.

Yet another class of clip-on inventions (shown in FIGS. 5-9B) usesmagnets as the primary means of attaching the auxiliary lenses 600 tothe primary eyeglasses 500. Magnets 610 on the auxiliary lenses 600 lineup with corresponding magnets 510 on the frames 502 of the primaryeyeglasses 500 to form a surface area that is designed to hold theauxiliary lenses 600 in place. FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement of theprimary 500 and auxiliary lenses 600 in a decoupled state (FIG. 8A) anda coupled state (FIG. 8B). FIG. 9 contains a view of the cross-sectionalarea of intersection of the magnets 610 on the auxiliary lenses 600 withthe magnets 510 on the primary eyeglass frames 502.

However, there are several drawbacks associated with the variousattachment implementations that use magnets. One drawback is that sincemagnets are heavy, the magnets required on both the auxiliary lenses 600and the primary eyeglasses 500 tend to add a substantial amount ofweight to the overall assembly. The additional weight results indiscomfort to the user. Another drawback is that magnets often causedrawbacks when placed near electronic equipment such as computers orfloppy disks. In other words, inadvertently placing either the auxiliaryor primary spectacles near such equipment can result in property damageas a result of the magnetic fields that are generated.

A more fundamental drawback with magnetic clip-on lenses 600 concernsthe integrity of the attachment to the primary eyeglasses 500. Sincemost magnetic attachment implementation do not account for dynamic loadsin all directions, jarring movements that occur during, for example,exercise will cause the auxiliary lenses 600 to become suddenly detachedfrom the primary spectacles 500. Furthermore, regardless of how securethe attachment mechanism is at the time of manufacture, a number offactors can and often will cause the effectiveness of the magnets todegrade over time.

Additionally, both previous styles of clip-on lenses are separate,detachable pieces that must be attached or detached when going fromindoors to outdoors, or vice versa. The person wearing the glasses mustscramble to find the auxiliary lenses and reattach them. This process isclumsy and time consuming. Also, the chances of misplacing or losing theauxiliary lenses are increased.

Previous styles of clip-on lenses utilize clip-on frame extensions, suchas the clip-on frame extensions 612 illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9B.These clip-on frame extensions protrude from the clip-on frame deviceand can tear or scratch materials or surfaces with which they come intocontact. In addition, these clip-on frame extensions are often light andfragile in order to reduce the weight and bulk of the clip-on lensdevice. The often fragile construction of the clip-on frame extensionsmake them subject to breakage or damage from contact with surfaces ormaterial. For example, clip-on frame extensions often catch on thematerial of a shirt pocket when the clip-on frame extension is placedinto or removed from that pocket, possibly resulting in a tear of thepocket material or the bending or breakage of the clip-on frameextension.

Therefore a need exists to overcome the drawbacks and problems with theprior art as discussed above, and particularly for an improvedarrangement for attachment of an auxiliary or “clip-on” pair of lensesto a primary pair of eyeglasses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, an eyeglass frameassembly for coupling clip-on auxiliary spectacles to primaryspectacles, the clip on auxiliary spectacles having a pair of hingedextension arms with a pair of pins mounted to outside surface of eachhinged extension arm. The pins on the hinged extension arms positivelyengage a pair of cavities formed on the inside of frame extensionsconnected to a primary lens frame on the primary spectacles. The hingedextension arms include a hinge that allows the auxiliary lens frame tobe positioned in and out of the vision path of the user while theauxiliary spectacles are attached to the primary spectacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion ofthe specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages ofthe invention will be apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, theleft-most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in whichthe reference number first appears.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a first type of conventional primary spectacles.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first type of conventional clip-on spectacles.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the clip-on spectacles shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 1 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 2 are decoupledwith each other.

FIG. 4B is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 1 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 2 are coupledwith each other.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a second type of conventional primaryspectacles.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a second type of conventional clip-onspectacles.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the clip-on spectacles shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8A is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 5 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 6 are decoupledwith each other.

FIG. 8B is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 5 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 6 are coupledwith each other.

FIG. 9A is a top view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 5 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 6 are coupledwith each other.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IA-IA,illustrating a state wherein the primary spectacles of FIG. 5 and theclip-on spectacles of FIG. 6 are coupled with each other.

FIG. 10 is a top view of primary spectacles according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of clip-on spectacles according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the clip-on spectacles shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 10 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 11 aredecoupled with each other according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13B is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 10 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 1 are coupledwith each other according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14A is a top view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 10 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 11 are coupledwith each other according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IB-IB,illustrating a state wherein the primary spectacles of FIG. 10 and theclip-on spectacles of FIG. 11 are coupled with each other according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a close-up view, illustrating a state wherein an open cavityon the primary spectacles of FIG. 10 and a pad on the clip-on spectaclesof FIG. 11 are not engaged with each other.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are a top view, illustrating an outward spring actionof the flexible leg pairs of FIG. 14 of the clip-on spectacles of FIG.11, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a top view of primary spectacles according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a top view of clip-on spectacles according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the clip-on spectacles shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 17 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 18 aredecoupled with each other according to an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20B is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 17 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 18 are coupledwith each other according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20C is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 17 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 18 are coupledwith each other and in a “flip-up” position according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20D is a top view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 17 and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 18 are coupledwith each other according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IC-IC,illustrating a state wherein the primary spectacles of FIG. 17 and theclip-on spectacles of FIG. 18 are coupled with each other according toan alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a three view drawing of a preferred embodiment of aspring-activated pin of the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 22,23, and 24 are front views of primary spectacles and auxiliarylenses according to alternative embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are front views of auxiliary spectacles containinghalf lenses according to alternative embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 is a front view of primary spectacles according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a front view of auxiliary lenses according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a front view of auxiliary spectacles according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a top view, illustrating a bridge piece of the clip-onspectacles of FIGS. 11 and 18 on the outside of the primary spectacles,according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a top view, illustrating a bridge piece of the clip-onspectacles of FIGS. 11 and 18 on the inside of the primary spectacles,according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a front view of primary spectacles according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a front view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles of FIG. 31 and the clip-on spectacles using the bride pieceof FIG. 30 are being mated according to an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 33A is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles and the clip-on spectacles are decoupled with each otheraccording to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, theclip-on spectacles containing a pair of spring hinged frame extensions.

FIG. 33B is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 33A are coupled with eachother according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33C is a side view, illustrating a state wherein the primaryspectacles and the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 33A are coupled with eachother and in a “flip-up” position according to an alternative embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 33D is a top view of the clip-on spectacles of FIG. 33A, containinga detail view of the spring hinge frame extensions, according to analternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33E is a side view of the spring hinge frame extensions of FIG.33A, containing an exploded view of the spring hinge and illustratingtwo positions of the hinge, according to an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is important to note, that these embodiments are only examples of themany advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general,statements made in the specification of the present application do notnecessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, somestatements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. Ingeneral, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in theplural and visa versa with no loss of generality.

The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, overcomesdrawbacks and problems with the prior art by coupling a pair ofauxiliary lenses to a set of primary eyeglasses by using more securemounting mechanism. A preferred embodiment and several alternateembodiments displaying slight variations of the present invention arenow described.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is shown a topside view of a pair of primaryspectacles 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.The spectacles include a primary lens frame 1008, which contains a pairof primary lenses 1004. The primary lens frame 1000 also includes aprimary nose bridge 1006. Mounted to each side of the primary lens frame1008 is a primary frame extension 1012. Each primary frame extension1012 includes a first end that connects a rear extension to the outsideof the primary lens frame 1008. The rear extensions are positioned suchthat they are substantially parallel to each other and substantiallyperpendicular to the primary lens frame 1008. There is an open cavity1010 formed on the inside surface of each rear extension, such that theopening of the cavity 1010 faces inward towards the opening of theopposite cavity. The primary spectacles also include a pair of arms 1002that are connected to a second end of the primary frame extensions 1012by hinges 1014 which allow the arms 1002 to pivot. When the arms 1002are in an open position, they extend backwards to engage a user's ears.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a topside view and a frontal view respectivelyof clip-on auxiliary spectacles 1100 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. The clip-on auxiliary spectacles 1100 include anauxiliary lens frame 1108 which includes an auxiliary nose bridge 1106and a pair of auxiliary lenses 1104 contained within the lens frame1108. The clip-on spectacles 1100 also include a pair of flexible legs(frame extensions) 1112 which are attached to the outer ends of theauxiliary lens frame 1108. Furthermore, a pad 1110, typicallynon-metallic, is mounted to the outside surface of each flexible leg1112. The pads 1110 are preferably made of such impact absorbingmaterials such as rubber, silicon, or plastic.

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B illustrate how the clip-on auxiliaryspectacles 1100 can be coupled to the primary spectacles 1000. Outwardspringing forces that are exerted through the flexible legs 1112 mountedon the auxiliary spectacles achieve a secure coupling. The outwardspringing forces cause the pads 1110 on the outside of the flexible legs1112 to engage the open cavities 1010 that are on the inside of theprimary frame extensions 1012 of the primary spectacles. The outwardspringing forces are created by making the distance between the pads1110 mounted to the flexible legs 1112 greater than the distance betweenthe cavities 1010. Thus, the pads 1110 mounted to the flexible legs 1112must be flexed inwards before being fitted into the cavities 1010 on theprimary spectacles 1000 as shown in step 1602 of FIGS. 16A and 16B. Alsoshown in FIG. 16B are optional spring-loaded hinges 1614 on theauxiliary frame extensions 1112 which enhance the outward springingforces by exerting an additional outward bias on each of the pads 1110.

The mechanism for coupling clip-on auxiliary spectacles to primaryspectacles according to the present invention has a number of advantagesover the prior art. To begin with, the outward springing forces ensurethat the pads will stay firmly engaged with the cavities on the primaryspectacles. Since the pads are contained within the cavities when theclip-on spectacles are coupled to the primary spectacles, the clip-onspectacles can withstand jarring forces from all possible directions.FIG. 15 shows a closer view of how the pad 1110 inserts into the cavity1010 on the primary spectacles. Such jarring forces, which can occurduring exercise, often cause other types of clip-on spectacles todisengage from the primary spectacles. Also, the lightweight of the pads1110 avoids the discomfort that results from heavier assemblies that usemagnets. Furthermore, the use of pads also prevents scratching of theprimary spectacles, which often occurs during repeated engaging anddisengaging of other types of clip-ons.

An alternative embodiment is depicted in FIGS. 17-21. Referring to FIG.17, there is shown a topside view of a pair of primary spectacles 1700similar to those described above. The spectacles include a primary lensframe 1008, which contains a pair of primary lenses 1004. The primarylens frame 1008 also includes a primary nose bridge 1006. Mounted toeach side of the primary lens frame 1008 is a primary frame extension1012. Each primary frame extension 1012 includes a first end thatconnects a rear extension to the outside of the primary lens frame 1008.The rear extensions are positioned such that they are substantiallyparallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the primarylens frame 1008. There is an open cavity 1702 formed on the insidesurface of each rear extension, such that the opening of the cavity 1702faces inward towards the opening of the opposite cavity. The primaryspectacles also include a pair of arms 1002 that are connected to asecond end of the primary frame extensions 1012 by hinges 1014 whichallow the arms 1002 to pivot. When the arms 1002 are in an openposition, they extend backwards to engage a user's ears.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a topside view and a frontal view respectivelyof clip-on auxiliary spectacles 1800 according to an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. The clip-on auxiliary spectacles1800 include an auxiliary lens frame 1108 which includes an auxiliarynose bridge 1106 and a pair of auxiliary lenses 1104 contained withinthe lens frame 1108. The clip-on spectacles 1800 also include a pair ofextension legs 1804 which are attached to the outer ends of theauxiliary lens frame 1108. Furthermore, a replaceable spring-activatedpin assembly 1802 is mounted to the outside surface of each leg 1804.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D and 20E illustrate how the clip-on auxiliaryspectacles can be coupled to the primary spectacles. Outward springingforces that are exerted through the replaceable spring-activated pins1802 mounted on the auxiliary spectacles achieve a secure coupling. Theoutward springing forces cause the spring-activated pins 1802 (shown indetail in FIG. 21) on the outside of the legs 1804 to engage the opencavities 1702 that are on the inside of the primary frame extensions1012 of the primary spectacles. This arrangement has the additionaladvantage, as shown in FIG. 20C, of pivotally mounting the auxiliaryspectacles 1800, thus allowing the user to flip the auxiliary spectaclesup above the primary spectacles when the auxiliary lenses 1100 are notin use. The extension legs 1804 of the auxiliary spectacles must be longenough to ensure that the auxiliary lenses 1104 do not get scratchedduring the flipping procedure. This allows the user, for instance, ifthe auxiliary lenses are sunglasses, to walk from outdoors to indoorswithout having to remove the auxiliary lenses. Also, it allows for apair of stronger lenses, such as reading glasses, to be available to theuser when necessary.

The cross-sectional area of FIG. 20D illustrates how thespring-activated pin 1802 of the auxiliary spectacles fits into the opencavity 1702 located on the primary frame extensions 1012 of the primaryspectacles. Although the embodiment described here teaches that thelocation of the open cavities 1702 is on the inside of the frame, itshould be obvious to one skilled in the art that this is not alimitation of the present invention and many other positions are withinthe true scope and spirit of the present invention. The positioning ofthe open cavities 1702 could also be on the outside, top, or bottom ofthe primary frame extensions 1012 or any convenient location on theprimary lens frame 1008, on the condition that the placement of thespring-activated pins 1802 be designed to have a corresponding location.

FIG. 21 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the replaceablespring-activated pin assembly 1802. An open cavity 2102 is mounted onthe end of each leg 1804 of the auxiliary frame 1108. The open cavity2102 is designed to house a spring 2110 and barrel 2108 assembly. Thespring 2110 is inserted into the open cavity 2102 first, followed by abarrel 2108. The barrel 2108 is secured into the open cavity 2102 by ascrew 2104 which is inserted through the top portion of the open cavity2102, through a slot 2106 located in the center of the barrel 2108, andthreaded into the bottom portion of the open cavity 2102. The barrel isallowed to move longitudinally within the open cavity 2102 located onthe auxiliary frame 1108, the distance allowed by the length of the slot2106, to engage the open cavities 1702 positioned on the primary frame1008. The auxiliary spectacles 1800 are held securely in place by theforce of the springs 2110 inside the spring-activated pin assemblies1802. The feature of having a screw 2104 as the fastening mechanismallows for easy replacement of the pin assembly 1802 when the partbecomes worn (as will tend to happen with multiple insertions andextractions).

The remaining figures illustrate different embodiments to the auxiliaryeyeglass-mounting 30 system of the present invention. In FIG. 22, theprimary spectacles 1700 include open cavity mounting boxes 1702 locatedon the top of primary lens frame 1008. The auxiliary spectacles 1800comprise separate auxiliary lenses 1104, each lens being encased in itsown lens frame 1108. The auxiliary lenses 1104 are not connected by anose bridge, but comprise two spring-activated pin assemblies 1802located at the top of each frame. Each auxiliary lens 1104 is mountedindividually to the primary lens frame 1008 by inserting thespring-activated pins 1802 into the open cavity mounting boxes 1702. Theauxiliary lenses 1104 can move (“flip up”) independently of each other.

Referring to FIG. 23, the location of the open cavity mounting boxes1702, in this instance, is on the top of the primary lens frame 1008.Spring-activated pins 1802 located on the top of the an auxiliary frame1108 are inserted into the mounting boxes 1702 to fasten the auxiliaryspectacles 1800 to the primary spectacles 1700. Again, using thismounting scheme, the auxiliary spectacles 1800 may be “flipped” out ofthe path of vision when not in use.

In FIG. 24, the open cavity mounting boxes 1702 and the spring-activatedpin assemblies 1802 are located on the nose bridge 1006 of the primaryspectacles and the nose bridge 1106 of the auxiliary spectacles,respectively.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate auxiliary spectacles 1800 comprising halflenses, designed to mount on the primary spectacles 1700 of FIG. 24.Like the auxiliary spectacles of FIG. 24, the spring-activated pinassemblies 1802 are located on the nose bridge 1106. FIG. 25demonstrates auxiliary spectacles 1800 having lower-half lenses 2502,and FIG. 25A shows auxiliary spectacles 1800 having upper-half lenses2504.

FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 illustrate an alternative embodiment of spectaclesthat have half lenses. In this case, FIG. 26 shows open cavity mountingboxes 1702 located on the primary lens frame 1008, midway down theprimary lenses 1004. The auxiliary spectacles may either be separatelenses 1104 having spring-activated pins 1802 located on each side, asshown in FIG. 27, or the lenses 1104 may be connected by a frame 1108having a nose bridge 1106 as shown in FIG. 28.

In one embodiment, the half-lenses of FIGS. 25-28 are sunglasses and inanother embodiment, the lenses may have an optical magnification such asreading glasses or glasses used for distance viewing such as requiredfor driving.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate different embodiments of nose bridges. InFIG. 29, the nose bridge 1106 of the auxiliary spectacles rests in frontof and parallel to the nose bridge 1006 of the primary spectacles. InFIG. 30, the nose bridge 3006 of the auxiliary spectacles rests abovethe nose bridge 1006 of the primary spectacles and extends rearward anddownward to clip behind the nose bridge 1006.

FIGS. 31 and 32 demonstrate an alternative embodiment wherein theopen-cavity mounting boxes 1702 on the primary spectacles 1700 openupwards. The corresponding pins 1802 on the auxiliary spectacles aredesigned to face downwards for mating, and the nose bridge 3006 of FIG.30 is used to secure the auxiliary spectacles in place by lockingunderneath the nose bridge 1006 of the primary spectacles 1700.

It is important to note that the cavities can be formed as part of theprimary frame such as a hole and in other embodiments as separatelymounted boxes, rectangles or other geometric shapes that are formed toconform with the corresponding the spring-activated pins and/or pads.

In addition, through these embodiments described herein, the cavitiesand/or the open cavity mounting boxes are shown as part of the primaryframes and the pads and/or spring-activated pin assemblies part of theauxiliary frame. In another embodiment the cavities and/or open cavitymounting boxes are formed on part of the auxiliary lenses and thespring-activated pin assemblies as part of the primary frames.

FIGS. 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and 33E illustrate an alternative embodimentwherein the clip-on auxiliary spectacles contain hinged extension arms3344 that include a spring hinge 3314 to join the front extension arm3316 and the rear extension arm 3312. FIG. 33A illustrates a side viewof an exemplary eyeglass frame assembly according to the presentinvention. The view of FIG. 33A shows a forward or front direction 3362and a rear or rearward direction 3364 that will be referenced in thedescription of this embodiment. The view of FIG. 33A shows exemplaryprimary spectacles 3340 that include a primary lens frame 1008 and aframe extension 1012 and that is connected to the primary lens frame1008. The frame extension 1012 is further shown to have a cavity 3302that is formed on the inside surface of frame extension 1012. The insidesurface in this embodiment is the surface that is on the side of thehead of the user who is wearing the spectacles. The cavity 3302 of theexemplary embodiments is also shown to extend longitudinally along theframe extension 1012 from the end that connects to the primary lensframe 1008 to the opposite end of the frame extension 1012. The cavity3302 of the exemplary embodiments is also shown to have a ridge 3344 asis described below.

FIG. 33A further shows the clip-on auxiliary spectacles 3342 thatinclude an auxiliary lens frame 1108 to which an auxiliary lens 1104 ismounted. In the exemplary embodiments, the auxiliary lens 1104 isreplaceable in order to allow the auxiliary spectacles to be used withvarious prescription and non-prescription lenses. The clip-on auxiliaryspectacles 3342 also are shown to have hinged extension arms 3344 thatinclude a front extension arm 3316 and a rear extension arm 3312. Thehinged extension arm 3344 has a hinge 3314 between the front extensionarm 3316 and a rear extension arm 3312. The hinge 3314 allows the hingedextension arm 3344 to flex in a plane perpendicular to the axis 3360, atthe point of cavity 3302, of the primary frame extension 1012 andparallel to the plane of the auxiliary lens 1104. The exemplaryembodiments of the present invention allow the rear extension arm 3312to flex by rotating to positions that are both above and below aposition that is parallel to a position that is linearly aligned withthe front extension arm 3316.

The hinged extension arm 3344 of the exemplary embodiments causes therear extension arm 3312 to remain fixed in one of three positions ofrotation of the hinge 3314. The hinge 3314 of the exemplary embodimentsis able to be moved between these three position by applying rotationalforce on the front extension arm 3316 relative to the rear extension arm3312. The first position 3350 in which the hinge 3314 remains fixed hasthe rear extension arm 3312 linearly aligned with the front extensionarm 3316. This first position 3350 results in the auxiliary lens 1104being placed in front of the primary lens 1004 and therefore in thevision path of the user when the auxiliary spectacles 3342 are attachedto the primary spectacles 3340. A second position 3352 in which thehinge 3314 of the exemplary embodiments remains fixed has the frontextension arm 3316 at a clockwise angle relative to the rear extensionarm 3312 relative to the view of FIG. 33A. The exemplary embodimentsallows the hinge 3314 to rotate to an approximately ninety degrees (90°)position, thereby resulting in the auxiliary lens 1104 being placed atan approximately 90° angle relative to the primary lens 1004. Placingthe hinge in this second position 3352 places the auxiliary lens 1104 atleast partially outside the vision path of the user. The exemplaryembodiments further allow the hinge 3314 to be moved to and remain fixedin a third position 3354 so that the front extension arm 3316 is at acounter-clockwise position relative to the rear extension arm 3312. Thisthird position 3354 is used in the exemplary embodiments to place therear extension arm 3312 closer to the auxiliary lens frame 1108 and totherefore not extend away from the auxiliary lens frame. The thirdposition 3354 of the exemplary embodiments reduces the likelihood thatthe hinged extension arm 3344 will catch on material or a surface andbrake or become damaged when the auxiliary spectacles 3342 are notattached to the primary spectacles 3340. Alternative embodiments of thepresent invention do not allow movement of the hinge into the thirdposition and therefore only have two positions in which the hinge 3344remains fixed.

A pin 3348 is located on the outside surface of the end of the hingedextension arm 3344 that is opposite the end that is connected to theauxiliary lens frame. Various embodiments of the present invention use apin 3348 that is similar to the pin 1110 as is illustrated in FIG. 11.The exemplary embodiments incorporate a pin 3348 that is part of aspring activated pin assembly 1802 as is shown in detail in FIG. 20E.The outside surface of the exemplary embodiments is the surface of thehinged extension arm that is opposite the surface facing the wearer ofspectacles upon which the clip-on auxiliary spectacles are attached.

FIG. 33B shows the auxiliary clip on spectacles 3342 attached to theprimary spectacles 3340. The auxiliary clip-on spectacles 3342 of theexemplary embodiments are attached to the primary spectacles 3340 byplacing the pin 3348 into the cavity 3302. The pin 3348 of the preferredembodiment positively engages the cavity 3302 due to outward springingforces provided by the hinged extension arms 3344, the springing forcesapplied by spring activated pin assembly 1802, and by the springingforces applied by flexing of the auxiliary lens frame 1108 itself. Inthe exemplary embodiments, the cavity 3302 has a height that matches theheight of the pin 3348, but the length of the cavity 3302 is larger thanthe width of the pin 3348. This allows the pin 3348 to movelongitudinally along the cavity 3302 and vary the longitudinal positionof the clip-on auxiliary lens frame 1108 relative to the primaryspectacles 3340 in order to facilitate raising and lowering of theauxiliary frame as is discussed below. Preferred embodiments of thepresent invention incorporate a pin 3348 with a rectangularcross-section that has a height that is slightly smaller that the heightof cavity 3302 so as to allow the pin 3348 to fit into cavity 3302. Thewidth of the pin 3348, i.e., the horizontal dimension of the “face” ofthe pin 3348 that is to be aligned with the lateral dimension of cavity3302 as is shown in FIG. 33A, is longer than the height of therectangular cavity 3302 in the exemplary embodiments. Making the widthof pin 3348 larger than the height of cavity 3302 ensures properorientation of the pin 3348 into cavity 3302. The use of a pin 3348 witha width greater than the height of the cavity 3302 prevents insertion ofthe pin 3348 with the wrong orientation, i.e., at an angle of 90°relative to the desired orientation.

Proper placement of the auxiliary lens frame 1108 when the auxiliarylenses 1104 are in the vision path of the user, as is shown in FIG. 33B,is for the pin 3348 to be located away from the front of the cavity3302. This causes the auxiliary lens frame 1108 to be positioned closeto the primary lens frame 1008. Embodiments of the present invention usefriction between the pin 3348 and the cavity 3302 to hold the auxiliaryspectacles 3342 in the proper location. In another embodiment, anindentation, dimple or ridge 3346 is placed along the lower opening ofcavity 3302 to ensure proper placement of the pin 3348 within the slot3302. The ridge 3346 of the exemplary embodiments is sufficiently highto impede the movement of the pin 3348 within the cavity 3302 but is lowenough to accommodate movement of the pin 3348 over the ridge bydeformation of the pin 3348. This function is facilitated if the pins3346 are made of materials such as rubber, silicon, or plastic. Theexemplary embodiments locate the ridge at a distance from the rear ofcavity 3302 that is equal to the width of the pin 3348 so that the pinis located in the rearward-most position of the cavity 3302. Alternativeembodiments have a ridge to hold the pin 3348 in the proper position,but the cavity 3302 is such that this position is not in the rearwardmost position of the cavity. Other embodiments use alternative means toensure the desired placement of the auxiliary lens frame 1108 relativeto the primary lens frame 1008. These alternative means include clips onthe auxiliary lens frame 1108 that engage the primary lens frame 1008.These clips securely hold the auxiliary lens frame to the primary lensframe when the auxiliary lens frame is placed or flipped into the “down”position so that the auxiliary lens 1104 is placed in the vision path ofthe user. An example of such a clip is the nose bridge 3006 attached tothe auxiliary spectacles as is illustrated in FIG. 30. Yet otherembodiments utilize a cavity 3302 that is substantially the same size aspin 3348.

FIG. 33C illustrates the configuration of the clip-on auxiliaryspectacles when the auxiliary lenses 1104 mounted on the auxiliary lensframe 1108 are positioned to be partially outside the vision path of theuser. The spring hinge 3314 is shown in a partially bent position. Thespring hinge 3314 of the exemplary embodiments bends a full ninetydegrees (90°) so as to cause the auxiliary lenses 1104 to be positionedoutside of the vision path of the user. The spring hinge 3314 is alsoable to be in the straight position that is illustrated in FIGS. 33A and33B so as to cause the auxiliary lenses 1104 to be positioned in thevision path of the user. The operation of the hinge in these embodimentsis facilitated by the sliding of pin 3348 along cavity 3302, as isdescribed above.

The spring hinge 3314, shown in detail in FIGS. 33D and 33E, joins therear extension arm 3312 and a front extension arm 3316 that are part ofthe hinged extension arm 3344. The front extension arm 3316 has one endmounted to the auxiliary frames 1108, and a second end that contains atongue 3324 having a hole through the center. The rear extension arm3312 is able to contain a replaceable spring-activated pin assembly 1802or other pin on one end, as was previously mentioned. The opposite end3322 of the rear extension arm 3312 opens into a U-shaped chamber 3320.A spring 3326 is inserted into the U-shaped chamber 3320 and the tongue3324 of the first piece 3316 of the frame extension arm is secured ontothe rear extension arm 3312. The tongue 3324 of the exemplaryembodiments is secured to the U-shaped chamber 3320 by a spindle, postor other means such as a screw 3318, which extends through the U-shapedchamber 3320 and the tongue 3324. The spring 3326 is compressed betweenthe back of the U-shaped chamber 3320 and the tongue 3324, exerting aforce on the front extension arm 3316 when the auxiliary glasses are inthe “flipped” position, which aids in keeping the auxiliary lens frame1108 in place.

FIG. 33E demonstrates the action of the spring hinge 3314 while in afirst position 3350 where the auxiliary glasses are in the path ofvision, and a second position 3352 where the auxiliary glasses are“flipped up” away from the path of vision. Embodiments of the presentinvention further contain a spring cap 3330. The spring cap 3330 is anoptional component that allows for improved interaction of the spring3326 with the tongue 3324. The spring cap 3330 has a cap shaft 3332 thatextends into the interior area of the spring 3326 so as to ensure properplacement of the spring cap 3330. The spring cap 3330 has a cap headthat is formed by the “top” of the spring cap 3330 that the part of thespring cap 3330 that engages the spring 3326 and has a dimensionslightly smaller than the interior of the U-shaped chamber 3320.Alternative embodiments of the present invention use a spring cap 3330that does not have a cap shaft 3332. These embodiments use a spring cap3330 that only has a cap head.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, itwill be understood by those having skill in the art that changes can bemade to this specific embodiment without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to berestricted, therefore, to specific embodiments, and it is intended thatthe appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications,and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

1. An eyeglass frame assembly for coupling a set of clip-on auxiliaryspectacles to primary spectacles, the assembly comprising: primaryspectacles, including: a primary lens frame; a pair of frame extensionswherein each frame extension of the pair of frame extensions has a firstend and a second end, the first end of each frame extension connectingthe frame extension to the primary lens frame, and wherein each of theextensions has an inside surface and an outside surface; a plurality ofcavities, wherein each cavity of the plurality of cavities is formed onthe inside surface of one of the pair extensions, wherein each of thecavities has an opening in the inside surface; and a pair of arms,wherein each arm of the pair of arms is connected by hinges to thesecond end of each frame extension, wherein the arms extend rearward toengage a user's ears; and clip-on auxiliary spectacles, including: anauxiliary lens frame, wherein the auxiliary lens frame is able to mountat least one lens; a pair of hinged extension arms, wherein each of thearms has an inside surface, an outside surface, a first end and a secondend, each first end connected to the auxiliary lens frame, and whereineach of the arms comprises a hinge located between the first end and thesecond end; and a plurality of pins, wherein each pin of the pluralityof pins is located on the outside surface of one of the pair of arms,wherein each of the pins are positively engages one of the cavitiesunder an outward force.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe hinged extension arms comprise hinges that allow the auxiliary lensframe to be positioned in at least two positions, wherein the at leasttwo positions comprise: a first position wherein at least one lens ofthe an at least one lens is in a vision path of a user, and a secondposition wherein the at least one lens of the at least one lens is atleast partially outside the vision path of the user.
 3. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein at least some of the outward force isprovided by spring-activated pins.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein at least some of the outward force is provided by a springaction of the auxiliary lens frame.
 5. The assembly according to claim1, wherein one or more of the cavities are contained within a boxmounted on one of the inside surfaces of the frame extensions.
 6. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein each hinge allows movement of atleast a part of the hinged extension arm so that the part of the hingedextension arm becomes closer to the auxiliary lens frame.
 7. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the cavities extend alongthe inside surface of the pair of arms so as to allow lateral movementof the engaged pin within the cavity.
 8. The assembly according to claim7, wherein each of the cavities comprises at least one ridge to impedelateral movement of the pin along the cavity.
 9. The assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein each hinge comprises: a U-shaped chamber having atop surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface, thetop surface having an opening for inserting a spindle, the bottomsurface having a hole aligned with the opening for fastening thespindle; a spring having a first end and a second end, the first end incontact with the rear surface of the open-cavity box; a tongue having afirst end, a second end, and a slot, the first end in contact with thesecond end of the spring and contained within the U-shaped chamber, thesecond end extending beyond the U-shaped chamber, the slot being formedlongitudinally within the pin; and a post, extending from the topsurface of the U-shaped chamber, through the slot in the pin, andterminating through the hole in the bottom surface of the U-shapedchamber, wherein the post acts as the spindle and allows the tongue topivot about the post.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein thespring comprises an interior surface and wherein the assembly furthercomprises a spring cap, wherein the spring cap comprises a cap head anda cap shaft, and wherein the cap head engages the second end of thespring and wherein the cap shaft is contained within the interiorsurface of the spring.
 11. Clip-on auxiliary spectacles for use inconjunction with primary spectacles, the clip-on auxiliary spectaclescomprising: an auxiliary lens frame that is able to hold at least onelens; a pair of hinged extension arms, wherein each of the arms has aninside surface, an outside surface, a first end and a second end, eachfirst end connected to the auxiliary lens frame, and wherein each of thearms comprises a hinge located between the first end and the second end;and a pair of pins, wherein one pin of the pair of pins is located onthe outside surface of each of the pair of arms and wherein each pin ofthe pair is positioned so as to positively engage a cavity.
 12. Thespectacles according to claim 11, wherein the hinged extension armscomprise hinges that allow the auxiliary lens frame to be positioned inat least two positions, wherein the at least two positions comprise: afirst position wherein at least one lens of the an at least one lens isin a vision path of a user; and a second position wherein the at leastone lens of the at least one lens is at least partially outside thevision path of the user.
 13. The spectacles according to claim 11,wherein at least one pin of the pair of pins is urged into the cavity byspring-activated pins.
 14. The spectacles according to claim 11, whereinthe pin is urged into the cavity by a spring action of the auxiliarylens frame.
 15. The spectacles according to claim 11, wherein each hingemoves so as to move the second end closer to the auxiliary lens frame.16. The spectacles according to claim 11, wherein each hinge comprises:a U-shaped chamber having a top surface, a bottom surface, a frontsurface, and a rear surface, the top surface having an opening forinserting a spindle, the bottom surface having a hole aligned with theopening for fastening the spindle; a spring having a first end and asecond end, the first end in contact with the rear surface of theopen-cavity box; a pin having a first end, a second end, and a slot, thefirst end in contact with the second end of the spring and containedwithin the U-shaped chamber, the second end extending beyond theU-shaped chamber, the slot being formed longitudinally within the pin;and a post, extending from the top surface of the U-shaped chamber,through the slot in the pin, and terminating through the hole in thebottom surface of the U-shaped chamber, wherein the post acts as thespindle and allows the pin to pivot about the post.
 17. The spectaclesaccording to claim 16, wherein the spring comprises an interior surfaceand wherein the assembly further comprises a spring cap, wherein thespring cap comprises a cap head and a cap shaft, and wherein the caphead engages the second end of the spring and wherein the cap shaft iscontained within the interior surface of the spring.
 18. An eyeglassframe assembly for coupling clip-on auxiliary spectacles to primaryspectacles, the assembly comprising: a primary lens frame, wherein theprimary lens frame includes at least one pair of open cavity mountingboxes each with an opening for receiving a corresponding tongue therein;and an auxiliary lens frame with at least one or more pair of springpins and/or spring-activated pins for engaging the open cavities boxesof the primary lens frame; wherein the auxiliary lens frame is pivotallymounted on the primary frame so that the auxiliary lens frame can bepositioned in a least two positions, as follows: a first position whichis in a vision path of a user; and a second position which is at leastpartially outside the vision path of the user.